Transportation

Transportation Options

A number of options exist for students without cars on campus. UT’s downtown location is ideal for walking, bike riding and the use of public transportation.

On-campus car rentals – ZipCar offers qualified drivers ages 18 years and up environmentally friendly vehicles to rent at a low rate – by the hour or by the day. Members access cars using either their mobile device or their Zipcard and only pay for the time they rent the car. The rate includes gas, insurance, GPS navigation, iPod adaptor, Bluetooth technology, 24-hour Roadside Assistance and in-car communication with the Member Care Center.

Downtowner – For anyone looking to get around the downtown Tampa area you can now catch a free ride, thanks to the Tampa Downtown Partnership, on the Downtowner. There is an app you can download for a convenient experience.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft ridesharing services are available throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Students can request affordable rides on demand using the Uber and Lyft apps. Rides are cashless and convenient.

Taxis – There are several options for taxi service in Tampa including United Cab, Yellow Cab of Tampa and Tampa Water Taxi. Taxis cost a flat rate of $3 per person within a 5-mile radius of campus and a $25 flat rate to or from the Tampa International Airport.

On-campus bicycle rentals – BikeUT is a University-wide, free bike rental program created to promote outdoor physical activity and sustainable transportation options. Students can rent bikes on a daily basis with a valid Spartan ID. Bikes can be ridden off campus for exercise along the 4.5-mile Bayshore Boulevard lining Tampa Bay or to pick up groceries at the Tampa Downtown Market or nearby Publix. Some bikes are equipped with baskets, and all rentals come with a helmet and bike lock.

Buses – Several bus stops and the Marion Transit Center are located near campus, providing bus transportation around the Tampa Bay area. Bus information can be found here.

Coast Bike Share – Coast Bike Share is an effective, convenient and environmentally friendly transportation option, enabling short trips around town. Coast Bike Share hubs can be found near campus and around the downtown, Ybor City, Channelside and Hyde Park areas. Coast bikes are available 24/7 and are equipped with baskets, lights and locks.

Water Taxi – The Pirate Water Taxi offers over 15 stops along the Hillsborough River and Tampa Riverwalk, near several attractions, museums, restaurants and parks. The vessel also offers special events throughout the year, such as the River of Lights, holiday boat parades, haunted river tours and a New Year's Eve cruise.

Cross-Bay Ferry – The Cross-Bay Ferry will operate between November 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019 between the Florida Aquarium Wharf next to Sparkman Wharf in the Channel District of downtown Tampa and the Vinoy Basin in downtown St. Petersburg. Enjoy a beautiful ride across Tampa Bay aboard the spacious, comfortable Provincetown III.

Safety Tips

Wear a seatbelt and be alert and aware during transit.

Do not travel alone if possible and be extra careful late at night.

Sit in the backseat. This ensures you can safely exit on either side of the car.

Follow your intuition. Trust your instincts and use good judgement when riding with taxi or rideshare services. If you ever feel like you're in an emergency situation, call 911.

Ridesharing Services

Request your ride inside. Limit the amount of time you're standing outside alone with your phone in your hand. Wait for your driver inside until the app tells you the driver has arrived.

Get in the correct vehicle. Make sure the license plate, drive photo and driver name match what's listed in the app.

Share your trip details with friends. While in the car and on the app, tap "Share status" for Uber or "Send ETA" for Lyft to share your driver's name, photo, license plate and location with a friend or family member. They can track your trip and see your ETA without downloading the app.

Protect your personal information. There's no need to share your phone number or other contact information with your driver.

Taxis

Before getting into the taxi, make sure the driver agrees to take you to your destination.

When you get into the taxi, note the company name, code number displayed, driver’s name, ID and photograph if possible.

Know your location at all times. Know where you are going and pay attention if the driver seems to be taking you the wrong direction.

Do not flash or display your money. Have the money you will need to pay the driver handy so you can pay quickly and get out of the cab.

Follow-up and report any behavioral incidents.

Any individual subjected to inappropriate behavior by a cab driver may take action by contacting the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission. The alleged incident may be reported online via Hillsborough County or by calling (813) 272-5814. The Tampa Police Department, (813) 231-6130, and/or UT Campus Safety and Security should also be notified.